From Ifeoma Ejiofor
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra State on Friday disclosed that 40 persons lost their lives in 112 road crashes in the state.
State Sector Commander, Adeoye Irelewuyi who disclosed this in Awka at the end of year 2023 award/durbar program for RS5, said the state recorded decrease of 22.22% in road crashes in 2023 when compared with 2022, adding that while 70 persons died in 2022; 40 died in 2023.
He said, “The Command recorded a total of 144 RTC in 2022 while having only 112 RTC occurrence recorded in 2023.
“We equally recorded positive development on all RTC parameters which include number injured, number involved, offenders and offences, drivers license production as well as number plates production.
“All these would have been impossible without the commitment, sacrifice and hardwork of officers and men who have determined to brave the odds and work for the safety of humanity on our roads,
“It would also have been impossible without the collaboration and support of other security agencies, stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians who have joined hands with us in one way or the other to try and make our roads safer.”
According to the FRSC boss, the occasion was targeted at appreciating stakeholders that contributed to the success stories, as well as reward outstanding officers and men for their performance and commitment in the course of the year.
“Anambra state Command also deems it fit to reward some officers and men who have been outstanding in their performance and commitment in the course of the year 2023.
“We are also recognizing and appreciating critical stakeholders, agencies and partners who have joined hands with us especially in the year 2023 to ensure a successful operations.
“In the same vein, we want to recognize and reward some staff who have paid the supreme price for their father land in the course of duty.
“Our award presentation today will be in 4 (four) categories: Category one: Officers in the Sector and component Commands. Category two: Marshals of the Sector and component Commands. Category three: Stakeholders (Individuals and Corporate) Category four: Post humous.
“The award committee has carefully considered each nominee based on their contribution to the achievement of corporate goals. It is hoped that this gesture will serve as an encouragement to ginger them to better performance in year 2024,” he stressed.
While reassuring the Command’s commitment to delivering better service to the people of the state and Nigerians traversing the state in year 2024, Irelewuyi explained that strategies for enforcement was not limited to only patrol operations but included mobile court sittings, public enlightenment, stakeholders collaboration and partnership in research.
“We have set a target to surpass the 2023 record and reduce RTC on Anambra roads by 60%. We therefore appeal to all stakeholders to continue to support the Command in every area. Once again we emphasize that Road Safety is everybody’s business,” FRSC boss added.